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Who is this degree for

This degree is designed for candidates who want to take on real-world data challenges and gain a comprehensive understanding of how data is collected, processed, analyzed, visualized, and reported across a variety of industries. Applicants should be proficient with statistics and Python. Students will learn how to apply these skills in ways that help organizations become more effective, strategic, ethical, and successful.

Requirements

We are interested in applicants with a history of academic and/or professional success, who demonstrate creativity and a commitment to sophisticated problem solving, and who exhibit persistence, leadership, and initiative.

Applicants for the degree program must have:

An undergraduate degree

Strong knowledge of Python programming language basic and introductory statistics (Applicants will take two assessments)

TOEFL exam for non-native speakers of English

No Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or other exams required

Note: if you have completed a three-year bachelor’s degree, please email umsi.mads@umich.edu to inquire if this would be recognized as an equivalent degree.

Application Process

You must submit an application linked through the University of Michigan School of Information website, and include the following with your application:

Transcript(s)

Resume

Short essays (3)

At least one letter of recommendation

Students whose primary language is not English will need to submit a TOEFL score

Our aim is to learn about your personal motivation and skills, and to understand how the program will help you achieve your professional goals.

Application requirements

Transcript(s)

One scanned or electronic transcript uploaded to the online application or mailed directly to us for all undergraduate and/or graduate programs from which you have degree(s).

We will accept unofficial transcripts for application review. Official transcripts will be required later if you are admitted.

Resume

A copy of your current resume/CV.

Essays

The MADS Program requires three short essays to get to know our applicants in more depth. Typically, we inquire about personal background, programming experience, and interest in data science and the UMSI MADS program. Example questions we’ve asked in the past include:

Why are you interested in the Master of Applied Data Science degree with UMSI, and what do you hope to gain with this degree?

Describe a data-oriented problem you've solved, or problem you'd like to solve. What steps did you take, or could be taken, to identify, design, and implement a solution?

What do you believe is the greatest potential value and greatest potential harm of data science?

Tests

Python and Statistics Proficiency Requirements

After applying to the Master of Applied Data Science program applicants are required to demonstrate their foundational Python fluency (roughly equivalent to UMSI’s Python 3 Programming MOOC) and basic statistics knowledge. Applicants may do this in one of two ways:

1: Take a combined Python and Statistics Assessment

We expect this assessment can be completed in about 1.5 hours and contains questions similar to the practice assessments applicants are encouraged to take as they prepare for the assessment. Generally, applicants take at least two weeks to prepare and successfully complete this assessment.

2: Submit a certificate of completion of the Python 3 Programming MOOC and take a Statistics Assessment

If applicants have already completed the entire Python 3 Programming specialization that is offered on Coursera by the time of application, applicants will only be tested on introductory statistics material. Please upload your Python 3 Programming specialization certificate at the time of application submission.

We strongly encourage applicants to take the practice assessments hosted in the assessment course shells to understand the foundational level of proficiency in Python and statistics that are necessary to be successful in the program. We also provide links to free or low-cost online courses and resources for those who do not already have the necessary experience in these areas, or those looking to refresh their knowledge.

For those applying for Fall 2020, the practice assessments and entrance assessment will be made accessible to you within 7-10 business days of submitting your application. Applicants receive two attempts to pass. Those who submit on or by the priority deadline will have a deadline of April 1st to complete their assessment, and those who submit on or by the final deadline will have a deadline of June 3rd to complete their assessment.

Non-Native English Speaker Assessment

We require the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if English is your non-primary language. A score of at least 100 on the Internet-based test (IBT) is required. Applicants holding a Bachelor's or Master's degree are exempt from taking an English proficiency examination if one or more of the following criteria is met:

You are a native English speaker;

You completed all of your undergraduate and/or graduate education and earned a degree at an institution where all classes are taught exclusively in English;

You are a current University of Michigan student.

If, for example, an applicant completed two years of an undergraduate degree program at a non-English speaking institution and then transferred to an English speaking institution, they do not meet the criteria for exemption. Similarly, being a U.S. citizen or a U.S. permanent resident does not automatically exempt an applicant from taking TOEFL. If the applicant’s first language is not English, the applicant must meet the exemption or submit their TOEFL score.

No Additional Tests Required!

We do not require the GRE or any other additional tests as part of our admissions process.

Letters of Recommendation

One letter of recommendation from people who can best speak to your ability to be successful in the program. Either academic or professional references are welcome.

Application Fees

Each member of the University of Michigan School of Information’s scholarly community comes from a unique background, making our school stronger and helping us to fulfill our mission of building a better world through technology and information.

Our students come from the following undergraduate areas of study:

Tuition

Tuition for the School of Information Master of Applied Data Science online degree program reflects the quality and value of a University of Michigan education.

We offer competitive rates for both in-state and out-of-state students.

For the 2019-2020 academic year* tuition is $932 per credit for State of Michigan residents and $1,243 per credit for non-residents. There are also additional fees (currently $165 a semester).

The total cost of the 34-credit degree would be $31,688 for in-state students and $42,262 for out-of-state students, based on this year’s estimated rates before fees.

UMSI is committed to providing education to highly qualified students regardless of financial status. Unlike most online degree programs, the Master of Applied Data Science offers the opportunity for scholarships in addition to other types of financial aid.

*Please note: the proposed tuition rate is subject to the university’s annual increases, which typically occur during the summer. All final tuition rates are approved by the University of Michigan Board of Regents every June, so these figures are solely for estimating purposes.

Pay As You Go

You won’t be billed upfront for the whole degree. You will pay per term for all the classes you take that term. Instead, you’ll pay as you go — each time you take a course, you’ll pay the tuition just for that course. If something comes up due to work, family, or other life commitments, and you need to take a term off, you won’t be charged during that term.

Financial Aid

UMSI is committed to providing education to highly qualified students regardless of financial status. Unlike most online degree programs, the Master of Applied Data Science offers the opportunity for scholarships in addition to other types of financial aid.

The information you provide on your application will be used to help determine eligibility for those scholarships. We expect more than half of our online students to receive some financial support.

Tuition Reimbursement

Student Loan Options for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents

Students have access to non-need-based loan funding to cover expenses associated with their degree. A student's total financial aid (scholarships, fellowships, and all education loans) cannot exceed the financial aid budget for the academic year.

The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan program is available to all U.S. Citizens and permanent residents who meet basic federal requirements (i.e. student has never defaulted on a Federal loan, is not currently involved in filing bankruptcy, registered for Selective Service etc). Students can choose to borrow either Federal Direct Graduate PLUS or private student loan funds to supplement the Unsubsidized Loan annual maximum of $20,500. Students should research private education loan lenders to determine which option is best for their individual situation.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans

Private Loans

Credit Requirements

None, but student must meet eligibility requirements as determined by the FAFSA

Good credit history or no credit history (no delinquent accounts or bankruptcy on credit report)

Lenders may require students to have a particular credit score to be approved without a co-borrower.

*Read more about Federal Direct Loans at the Department of Education website. To qualify for federal student loans a student must be enrolled in at least 4.5 credits per semester.

Your total financial aid (scholarships, fellowships, and all education loans) cannot be more than the estimated expenses plus tuition and fees.

Coursera does not grant credit, and does not represent that any institution other than the degree granting institution will recognize the credit or credential awarded by the institution; the decision to grant, accept, or transfer credit is subject to the sole and absolute discretion of an educational institution.

We encourage you to investigate whether this degree meets your academic and/or professional needs before applying.